Grip Strength in Young Tennis Players: Normative Values and Predictors of Performance

PURPOSE: The objectives were to (a) establish normative grip strength values in young tennis players; (b) examine developmental changes across 4 adolescent age groups and sexes, controlling for maturity and body size; (c) assess the association between body size and grip strength independent of age and maturity; (d) evaluate grip strength's ability to distinguish successful from less-successful players, independent of age, maturity, and body size; and (e) compare dominant and nondominant hands to identify tennis-related lateral differences. METHODS: Two hundred and fourteen competitive tennis players (ages 9-18; both sexes) underwent standardized assessment of dominant- and nondominant handgrip strength with a dynamometer. Body mass and height were measured with a medical scale and stadiometer. Age, sex, and competitive level were recorded, and maturity status was estimated. Associations and group differences were analyzed using analysis of covariance and multiple regression. RESULTS: Body mass was the only independent predictor of grip strength in both hands (P < .01), explaining 67% to 80% of the variance after adjusting for age and maturity status. Height was not significant once covariates were controlled. No differences in grip strength were observed between high- and low-achieving players after adjustment. Across the entire sample, dominant handgrip strength was greater than nondominant hand strength (P < .001). CONCLUSION: In youth tennis players, handgrip strength is strongly related to overall body mass but not to competitive success when age and maturation are taken into account. Dominant-hand superiority is a consistent, sport-specific adaptation. The normative values presented can guide monitoring and training of developing tennis athletes.